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All the news for Tuesday 4 April 2017

West Vancouver HWL 2017 by the Numbers

FIH World League R2 - Vancouver - April 1 to 9

Ali Lee


FIH World League R2, Vancouver - Canada vs. Mexico. Photo: Yan Huckendubler

The last major international tournament to take place on Canadian soil was the 2008 women’s Olympic Qualifier, hosted on Vancouver Island, just a 1.5 hour ferry ride away from this year’s Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 event in West Vancouver. The Canadian hockey community is always eager to collaborate when hosting international competition but for the 2017 World League event it has been a particularly engaging journey for the local West Vancouver Field Hockey Club (WVFHC).

“We hosted a USA and Canada men’s series in 2016 and all of our spectators and volunteers were so amazing that we knew on that basis we would be able to host a great world league tournament,” said Emma Gibbons, General Manager of both the tournament and WVFHC. “It has provided lots of opportunity for our club members to get involved. Our junior league alone has 1,600 members starting in the spring league now so it is exciting for them to be able to come out, watch and get involved in sport.”

By the numbers, the Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 event has:

100 Volunteers – More than 100 volunteers have sported the bright yellow event t-shirts and their contributions have spanned a variety of areas including event services, volunteer services, merchandise, VIP and hospitality, team liaisons, change room attendants, field maintenance and ball kids. The majority of these volunteers are part of the WVFHC.

50 Medical Staff – Gord Bird, an Emergency Physician and the tournament’s Chief Medical Officer, has put together a core group of six practitioners, including doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists, to lead a group of 50 young volunteers who are all interested in learning and shadowing medical professionals. This mentor medical program was set up by Bird to encourage youth interest in a medical profession.

6 Intense Months of Planning – The local organizing committee is made up of 12 chairs, each with an area and sub group of volunteers, and collectively they have been meeting and planning intensely for the last 6 months.

2,500 Youth – The WVFHC has over 2,500 youth involved in their elementary school’s field hockey program. This existing partnership has now included opportunities for the schools to attend the World League games.

300 Welcome Bags – Rutledge field is just a few short blocks away from the large Park Royal shopping center, who the local organizing committee reached out to. A variety of Park Royal vendors collaborated to create 300 welcome and appreciation bags for all the participating athletes, officials and volunteers.

12 Hours -  Hours spent at the field have continued to rack up as at least two members of the local organizing committee have been at the pitch for 12 hours a day for the last two weeks leading up to the main event. From managing teams at training, to the pre-tournament test matches and organizing transportation there has been no shortage of time spent at the home of WVFHC.

“This tournament was also about creating a legacy,” adds Geoff Matthews, Technical Director for WVFHC and the venue manager for the World League event. “The club purchased new stands and goals that we will be able to use after this tournament. This whole event has also been a great way to involve our community. We also have six girls (from WVFHC) representing Canada at this tournament so for the youth coming out to watch they can be inspired seeing international level players that went full circle from junior to senior to the national team right here on this turf.”

The WVFHC also credits the district of West Vancouver for their support in helping organize and  work through the many processes and by-laws involved in running an event of this stature. In addition, the local soccer clubs that typically share the facility have been very accommodating   around field availability, parking and change room usage.

By the Numbers, the teams of the Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 event:

16  - Age of the youngest players at the tournament who are Karen Gonzalez from Mexico and Chelsea Dey from Trinidad and Tobago.

38 – Age of the oldest player at the tournament who is captain and goalkeeper Rosanna Pasell from Uruguay.

4 – Number of players who entered the tournament with no international caps (1 from Mexico, 3 from Uruguay)

224 – highest number of caps from one player is captain Ritu Rani from India.

64.31 – Average number of caps per team at the tournament

126 – Total number of players

23.83 – Average age of all the players at the tournament

In addition, India is the most experienced team at the tournament (average of 100.9 caps), followed by Chile (89.6) and Canada (61.2).

The tournament is on a rest day today, 3 April, but will resume with the final pool play games on 4 April.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Katariya scores in 1-0 win over Belarus

India top table, enter semi-finals of Women’s Hockey World League Round 2


Vandana Katariya scored in the 26th minute. Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

Vandana Katariya scored the winner as the Indian women’s team beat Belarus 1-0 in their second pool A encounter at the Women’s Hockey World League Round 2.

India had earlier defeated Uruguay 4-2 in a thrilling shootout in their opening match.

It was Katariya, who scored a stunning backhanded field goal in the 26th minute to help India win and top the table in Pool A giving them an entry in to the semi-finals.

Both teams began on a strong note and were equally poised in the first quarter as they traded a penalty corner each but neither teams were successful in converting them and entered the second quarter in a stalemate.

While India were quick to earn their second PC in the 21st minute, the opportunity could not be capitalised. Soon after, in the 22nd minute, India’s goalkeeper Savita was brilliant in her efforts when she saved a hard-struck penalty corner to deny Belarus an early lead.

India, however, went into halftime with a 1-0 lead after Katariya’s sensational field goal. This was her second goal in the tournament so far.

While India continued to display good defensive skills to hold the lead, their attack was commendable too as they made brave forays into the striking circle in the following two quarters.

India earned as many as three penalty corners in the third quarter but couldn’t convert.

Belarus, on the other hand, came close to scoring in the 58th minute to equalise when they got a short corner. But Savita continued to impress with a diving save to help India maintain their slender lead till the end.

The Hindu

Vandana takes India into semis


The match between India and Belarus in progress in West Vancouver. PTI

Riding on forward Vandana Katariya’s stunning field goal, the Indian women’s hockey team beat Belarus 1-0 in their second Pool A match to enter the semifinals of the Women’s Hockey World League Round 2. On Sunday, both the teams began strongly. In the first quarter, both teams earned one penalty corner each but failed to covert. India earned their second penalty corner in the 21st minute but again failed to capitalise on the opportunity. In the 22nd minute, India’s goalkeeper Savita Punia saved a hard-struck penalty corner to deny Belarus the lead.

India, however, went into half-time with a 1-0 lead after Vandana’s sensational field goal in the 26th minute. This was her second goal of the tournament.

While the Indian defenders  stood firm to hold the lead, the forwards, too, looked good as they made brave forays into Belarus’ striking circle in the last two quarters. India earned as many as three penalty corners in the third quarter but couldn’t convert.  Belarus, on the other hand, came close to scoring in the 58th minute when they won a penalty corner but Savita made a diving save to help India win the match.

India had defeated Uruguay 4-2 in a thrilling shootout in their opening match on Saturday. The semifinal game is slated to be held on April 8.

The Tribune

Tanaka inspires Japan to title in Trinidad & Tobago

Samurais defeat Canada in final at Men’s Hockey World League Round 2 competition in Tacarigua



Kenta Tanaka confirmed himself as the star of the men’s Hockey World League Round 2 event in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago, scoring to help Japan’s Samurais to a 2-1 victory over Canada in the competition final.

Lively attacker Tanaka netted his ninth goal in six matches with a 35th minute strike to level the match after Scott Tupper’s penalty stroke had given Canada the lead four minutes earlier. Takuro Sasaki converted a penalty corner effort in the 40th minutes, a goal which proved to be the winner.

As well as taking the tournament top scorer award with all nine of his goals being scored from open play, Tanaka was also named as the player of the tournament in the post event awards. Trinidad & Tobago’s Tariq Marcano was named as the best young player, while USA’s Brandon Karess took the best goalkeeper award. 

The result brought both the competition and the second round of the men’s Hockey World League to an end, meaning that the teams to qualify for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, which are qualification competitions for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, are now known.

The top two finishers from the men’s Round 2 events in Dhaka (4-12 Mar 2017), Belfast (11-19 Mar 2017) and Tacarigua, (25 Mar-2 Apr 2017) have all qualified for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, being joined in the World Cup qualifier phase by the two highest ranked of the third placed finishers from those three events. Tacarigua top two Japan and Canada join Malaysia and China, who took the top two places at the event in Dhaka, as well as Ireland and France, who finished first and second respectively in Belfast.

The two highest ranked of the third placed finishers from each event also progress through to the next phase of the competition. Egypt - who today move up one place in the FIH Hero World Rankings to 19th - finished third in Dhaka, a result which proved to be enough for their progression. Scotland (WR: 23) were the third-place finisher In Belfast, and their superior ranking over USA (WR: 26), who finished third in Tacarigua, means that they also move through to the Hockey World League Semi-Finals which take place this summer.

The 3-4 classification match in Tacarigua was played between USA and Russia (WR: 21), with USA taking the win in a shoot-out. A 34th minute strike from Nikolay Yankun put the Russians ahead before goals either side of the third quarter break from Pat Harris and Tyler Sundeen put the Americans in charge. Andrey Kuraev scored nine minutes from time to level the match at 2-2 and force the shoot-out, with Paul Singh and Will Holt scoring the crucial goals as USA triumphed 2-1. The defeat was bad news for Russia, who went into the contest knowing that, due to their higher world ranking than Scotland, a victory would have been good enough for them to take a place in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals. 

Trinidad & Tobago were winners of the 5-6 classification match, defeating Switzerland 4-3 thanks largely to a double strike from 16-year-old Teague Marcano. Chile won the 7-8 classification match with a shoot-out triumph over Barbados.

Final standings
1: Japan
2: Canada
3: USA
4: Russia
5: Trinidad & Tobago
6: Switzerland
7: Chile
8: Barbados

FIH site

Teams Deliver Exciting Final Matches

FIH World League R2 - Tacarigua

Damian Gordon


FIH World League R2, Tacarigua - Final - Canada vs. Japan. Photo: J-M Productions

Day 6 featured a series of close matches to determine final rankings, with two of the games needing a penalty shootout to separate the teams and the other two decided by a 1-goal margin. With the finalists already qualified for Round 3, only Russia was ranked high enough to earn qualification through a 3rd place finish, but with ranking points a consideration, there was enough at stake to keep each team interested.

Chile vs. Barbados

The game for 7-8th place started off cautiously, with both teams focusing on playing error free. This created a midfield battle with very few chances and a 0-0 score after Q1. Barbados started Q2 more aggressively and forced a PC as well as a 1 vs 1 opportunity but failed to capitalise. Chile forced a GK save from a PC, but otherwise did not threaten the Barbados goal. The halftime score remained 0-0.

Chile came out the stronger of the two teams in Q3, dominating both possession and field position. They failed to break down a hard working Barbados team. They also created a fantastic opportunity, but Sven RICHTER failed to get a touch in front of goal. The third quarter ended the same as the previous two at 0-0. The final quarter started with more attacking intent from both teams. This and a visibly tiring group of athletes meant that the defensive discipline was starting to break down. Despite this, the teams were unable to score and the game went to a shootout. Chile held their nerve to score 3 of their 4 attempts while Barbados could only manage 1 from the same number. Final shootout score 3-1 (0-0 FT) Chile.

Switzerland vs. Trinidad & Tobago

The 5-6th playoff match got started with the hosts doing most of the early pressing. The Swiss defended deep, giving little space for the TTO attack. The only goal of the quarter came from a TTO PC. The second quarter saw a slightly more adventurous Swiss team create a few chances. This led to two well taken goals and a 2-1 lead at the end of Q2.

The third frame saw more TTO pressure and the game played mainly in the Swiss defensive third of the field. Just as it seemed that the quarter would end goalless TTO found an equaliser with a well taken FG and right after took the lead with a PC. Q4 saw TTO continue to dominate play, extending their lead with another PC rebound goal. Just as in their previous 2 matches though TTO conceded late in the final quarter to again to set up a tense final two minutes, but they managed to hold on to claim 5th place. Final score 4-3 Trinidad & Tobago.

Russia vs. USA

Russia would qualify automatically for Round 3 with a 3rd place finish and the USA were looking to finish two places higher than their pre-tournament ranking. Both teams could not get into rhythm and there were many turnovers and midfield play. Despite a couple PCs no one was able to break the deadlock and the first two quarters played out 0-0.

Russia came out the more aggressive team, scoring a PC to take a 1-0 lead. Near the end of the quarter Russia had a PS saved by eventual GK of the tournament Brandon KARESS. Immediately after the Americans earned and scored a PC to tie the game at 1-1 going into Q4. Some nice passing led to the Americans taking a lead with a FG but the Russians equalised to send the game to a shootout, the 3rd for USA in the tournament. GK Karess came up big again in the shootout, keeping out 3 of the 4 Russian attempts while his team scored 3 to earn the Americans an impressive 3rd place finish. Final shootout score 3-1 (FT 2-2) USA.

Canada vs. Japan

Fan favourite Japan got off to their usual fast start, but Canada stayed firm and defended well. A midfield fight for possession dominated the remainder of Q1 play. The second quarter was slightly more open, but both teams denied space to attack freely. Again, they were able to cancel each other’s attacks and the end of Q2 the score remained 0-0.

In the first minute of Q3 Canada earned a PS that was duly scored by their captain fantastic Scott TUPPER to take the lead. Japan fought back immediately and a few minutes later were able to equalise through the tournament’s leading scorer Kenta TANAKA. A few more minutes later Takuro SASAKI scored a PC to give Japan the lead by the end of Q3. Q4 saw the game open up a little with Canada looking for the equaliser and Japan using the spaces opening up to try and kill off the game. GK Dave CARTER made some good saves, including a PS, to keep Canada in the game. In the final seconds the Canadians had one final chance to force the game to a shootout, but Japan survived and held on to win R2 Tacarigua. Final score 2-1 Japan.

Day 6 delivered a series of close, exciting matches. Chile finished lower than their pre-tournament rank, while hosts T&T and USA finished higher. Russia narrowly missed out on a Round 3 qualifying spot. Canada look forward to Pan American Cup and Round 3 later on this year.

Individual Awards:

Most Goals - Kenta TANAKA (JPN)
Best Player - Kenta TANAKA (JPN)
Best Goalkeeper - Brandon KARESS (USA)
Best Junior Player (U23) - Tariq MARCANO (TTO)

Final standings:

    Japan*
    Canada*
    USA
    Russia
    Trinidad & Tobago
    Switzerland
    Chile
    Barbados

* Qualified for Round 3

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Solid performance

Coach pleased with T&T stickmen’s effort in ‘World League’

By Mark Pouchet


THROUGH A SEAM: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kwandwayne Browne dissects two Russian players during their opening round match in the FIH Men’s World League Round 2 at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua, two Saturdays ago. Russia won 3-1. –Photo: STEPHEN DOOBAY

Head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago senior men's hockey team Glen “Fido” Francis said he was proud of his charges and called their fifth-place finish a “solid performance” in the FIH Men's World League Round 2 tournament that concluded Sunday at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua.

Japan, ranked No.16 in the world, upset the form book somewhat, claiming the FIH Men's World League Round 2 title with a 2-1 win over the No.11 ranked Canada to conclude the tournament,

Both Japan and Canada advanced to the semifinal stage of the FIH World League in July but the world-ranked No.26 team USA, who secured third spot when they won 2-1 from the penalty shootout against Russia, won't qualify because they are ranked lower than the world-ranked number 24 Scotland.

But Francis was proud of Team TTO who edged Switzerland 4-3 to gain fifth spot, especially after a narrow and crushing 3-2 penalty shootout quarter-final loss to the USA on Saturday.

Trinidad & Tobago Express

Hockey Tridents finish eighth in tourney

by Nku Davis


Barbados’ Kris Holder challenges for the ball as Mickel Pierre tries to gain valuable real estate for Trinidad and Tobago in their fifth to eight bracket playoff on the weekend.

The Hockey Tridents took to the field Sunday for the last time in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago with national pride to play for. In the 1:30 p.m. sun the Bajan boys put everything into avoiding the wooden spoon against Chile.

For the first five minutes both teams seemed tentative probing each other sparingly. Chile would have the first clear chance releasing one of the forwards and causing custodian Keenan Knight to produce another top save for the tournament and the first of this game.

With one minute left in the first period the Hockey Tridents would get the first penalty corner of the game but the insert proved to pacy for the stick stoppers, the resulting counter causing last second excitement. Chile, however, were not able to convert and they went into the break 0-0.

The cagey game continued afterwards, with no team really ready to throw too much into the attack.

Chile was the first team to make the decision to press the attack bringing another brilliant save out of Knight and also called to action was Che Warner with goal line heroics off the resulting penalty corner. Hockey Tridents were very much in the hunt for their first win.

The rest of the period continued touch and go for both teams. The Hockey Tridents finally mounted some sustained pressure creating chances at the Chilean goal. The South Americans were equal to the task with the half-way score reading 0-0.

The Hockey Tridents would find themselves under heavy pressure from the Chilean attack, spending most of their third quarter on defence. Blistering counters from Akeem Rudder and Mario Moore were the only respite for the local defenders.

On the restart of the last quarter Chile recovered from a Barbados attack and would put the ball in the back of the net. However, umpire Lance Sarabia adjudged the Chilean to be in the wrong having pushed Warner before getting the better of the ball.


Keenan Knight makes a save during the shootout.

In the resulting passage of play Jamar Small, with a telling solo run from the heart of the Barbados defence, won a penalty corner which his team would not convert.

With ten minutes left in the game both teams would turn up the tempo. The Hockey Tridents asked a number of questions but Chile managed the right answers.

After a blistering passage of play where both teams came close to converting Knight again kept the local lads in the hunt with another sliding save.

Khodi Gibson would get a yellow card, a mandatory five minutes in the sin bin, for what the umpire adjudged to be a deliberate kick of the ball. The Hockey Tridents now down to ten men with three minutes left in the game dug deep and Chile in possession of the ball would have a clear attempt from the top of the shooting circle but it was way off target.

Che Roach would then get a second yellow taking the local boys down to nine men. Chile pressed the impetus but the Hockey Tridents with yeoman service from Jerome Harewood saw the game to the end of regulation and called on custodian Keenan Knight to come up big again, as they went into the game-deciding penalty shootout.

Chile would go first and Vincente Martin beat Knight for pace, 1-0 to Chile. Akeem Rudder would be smothered by the Chilean custodian, keeping the Chilean lead. After the next pair of shootouts where both Barbados and Chile didn’t score with Knight coming up with a big save, Warner kept Barbados in it by skilfully placing the ball in the back of the net.

Justin Catlin, needing to score, fumbled the ball and that would lead to an easy save.

The Hockey Tridents would finish in eighth place at the Hockey World League Round Two.

Coach Dominic Hill had high praises for his team. “We met a lot of performance goals and had a lot of positives. It is going to have to be about consistency and progressing in the upcoming tournaments,” Hill said.

The female Hockey Tridents will be on the field later this year, when they play at the Pan American Cup in Pennsylvania in August. After that both teams will look forward to the next Hockey World League cycle and the CAC Games in 2018.

On Saturday, the second fifth to eight bracket game saw the historical Caribbean grudge match between the Hockey Tridents and hosts Trinidad and Tobago for a place in the fifth/sixth qualification game. Trinidad and Tobago would emerge 3-1 winners.

Barbados Today

FIH confirms final line-ups for men’s Hockey World League Semi-Finals



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed the final line-ups for the men’s Hockey World League Semi-Finals following the conclusion of Round 2 and the subsequent update to the men’s FIH Hero World Rankings.

Between 15-25 June 2017, Lee Valley’s Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, England will welcome Canada, Malaysia, China and Scotland. They qualified from the Hockey World League Round 2 and join Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina, reigning European champions Netherlands, Asian champions India, Pakistan, Korea and hosts England, whose participation in this event was confirmed last October.

The other men’s Hockey World League Semi-Final will take place at Wits Hockey Club in Johannesburg, South Africa between 8-23 July. Joining this event from Round 2 are Ireland, Japan, France and Egypt. They will be up against reigning Hockey World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy winners Australia, Olympic silver medallists Belgium, Olympic bronze medallists Germany, New Zealand, Spain and hosts South Africa, winners of the 2015 African Hockey Championship.

The allocation of these latest men’s teams were determined by their position within the FIH Hero World Rankings which were updated following the conclusion of Round 2 this morning. This latest update eliminated points earned by nations during 2013 as well as reducing the number of points all nations earned between 2014 and 2016.

Consequently, this has seen Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina become the world’s number one men’s hockey team, with Australia moving down into second position. For the updated men’s FIH Hero World Rankings, click here.
r/
The top teams from London and Johannesburg will qualify for two of hockey’s showpiece events – the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 and the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, both in India.

Depending on final standings, teams will also be awarded FIH Hero World Ranking points, which could prove crucial in relation to qualification for future events. With so much on the line, fans will no doubt witness some action-packed matches full of excitement and drama this summer.

FIH is now finalising the event schedules with partners and will announce shortly. In the meantime, fans heading to London can already buy tickets for all sessions, including the all-important classification matches here.

The Hockey World League, composed of four rounds and played over two years, shines a spotlight on the sport around the world. Even the smallest hockey-playing nations have the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books. London and Johannesburg provide the perfect stage for their dreams to become reality in what are two crucial events in hockey’s international calendar.

To keep up to date with all the latest news relating to these events over the coming months, visit FIH.ch and follow FIH via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Additional Info:

10 teams will take part in each Semi-Final. They are comprised of the hosts plus five teams who qualify based on their FIH Hero World Ranking, whilst the remaining four teams qualified through Hockey World League Round 2 events which took place between January and April 2017. In total, 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams will be taking part in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals.

Women’s Events
Brussels, Belgium (21 June – 2 July 2017): Netherlands; Australia; New Zealand; China; Korea; Belgium + 4 teams from Round 2. Tickets here
Johannesburg, South Africa (8-23 July 2017): England; Argentina; USA; Germany; Japan; South Africa + 4 teams from Round 2.

FIH site

Four teams confirmed for the World League Semi-final


Condon for England

Canada, China, Malaysia and home nation friend Scotland make up the full line up for the Hockey World League Semi-finals at the Lee Valley hockey and Tennis Centre between 15-25 June 2017.

They qualified from the Hockey World League Round 2 and join Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina, reigning European champions Netherlands, Asian champions India, Pakistan, Korea and hosts England, whose participation in this event was confirmed last October.

The allocation of these latest men’s teams were determined by their position within the FIH Hero World Rankings which were updated following the conclusion of Round 2 this morning. This latest update eliminated points earned by nations during 2013 as well as reducing the number of points all nations earned between 2014 and 2016.

The top teams from London will qualify for two of the hockey’s showpiece events - the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 and the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, both in India.

Depending on final standings, teams will also be awarded FIH Hero World Ranking points, which could prove crucial in relation to qualification for future events. With so much on the line, fans will no doubt witness some action-packed matches full of excitement and drama this summer.

FIH is now finalising the event schedules with partners and will announce shortly. In the meantime, fans heading to London can already buy tickets for all sessions, including the all-important classification matches here.

England Hockey Board Media release

Van Huizen: Top-six should do the trick

By Juget Singh

MALAYSIA will play in the London World League Semifinals for a shot at playing in the 16-team 2018 World Cup in India.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released groupings of the two qualifiers, the other one in Johannesburg, and coach Stephen van Huizen's men have been placed with four other Asian teams.

Malaysia, who dropped back to 14 from 13th in the World in the latest FIH ranking, have Olympic champions and newly crowned world no 1 Argentina, European champs Netherlands, Asian champions India, Pakistan, South Korea, hosts England, China, Canada and Scotland for company.

The tournament will be held On June 15-25 at Lee Valley’s Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

In Johannesburg, on July 8-23, the 10 teams are World League Round Two qualifiers Ireland, Japan, France and Egypt.

They will be up against reigning Hockey World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy winners Australia, Olympic silver medallists Belgium, Olympic bronze medallists Germany, New Zealand, Spain and hosts South Africa, winners of the 2015 African Hockey Championship.

"The target is to first finish among the top-four in the group as the fifth team will not play in the quarter-finals.

"After that, we need to finish among the top-six in the knock-out stage to qualify for the World Cup. There are bound to be many double qualifications, and this is where even No 6 in London will make the cut to the 16-team event in Indian next year," said van Huizen.

Going by ranking, Malaysia will be placed in Group A with Argentina, Great Britain, Canada and China.

In Group B would be Netherlands, India, South Korea, Pakistan and Scotland.

"The 18 who played in the World League Round Two in Dhaka as well as those who will be selected for the Azlan Shah Cup will form the core of the team. All the injured players as well as those with family commitment will be available for Ipoh, and that's where I hope to select the best and fittest for London," said van Huizen.

The fact that London will be akin to an Asian championship should also favour Malaysia's chances.

"The good and also the bad of it is that we have a big number of teams which we play frequently in the Asian Games, Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophy.

"We know them, and they know us. In a way, its also good that we have been placed in London, as we will be meeting known foes and our players would also be more comfortable in this situation," said van Huizen.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Scotland senior men qualify for World League semi-final in London


Scotland men huddle

Scotland’s senior men’s hockey team has qualified for the World League semi-final for the first time, and will play at the tournament in London on 15-25 June 2017.

It is a tremendous achievement for Scotland - this is the first time a Scotland team has ever qualified for World League semi-finals, and the Scots now have the opportunity to play for a place in the Hockey World Cup, which will be held in India in November 2017.

Also featuring in London will be the likes of England, the Netherlands, India, Pakistan, Korea, Canada, China, Malaysia, and Argentina.

The Scots finished third at World League 2 in Belfast in March after a sensational 4-0 victory over Wales in the third-place play-off. The tournament was a fantastic success for the team; they finished three places above their seeding and Alan Forsyth was voted player of the tournament.

In the World League competition the two highest ranked of the third placed finishers from each event progress through to the next phase of the competition – World League 3.

Scotland’s place in World League semi-final was confirmed when USA defeated Russia in the third-place playoff at World League 2 in Trinidad and Tobago, meaning Scotland were one of the top two ranking teams in a third spot. As a result Scotland is now ranked 23rd in the men’s FIH world rankings.

Scotland men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth said, “I’m delighted that we have qualified for World League semi-finals. It was a tremendous effort by the team and staff in Belfast and they thoroughly deserve the opportunity to play in London. We’re looking forward to coming up against some of the best teams in the world.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Ireland's Green Machine Up To 9th In World

The Green Machine have risen above Spain in the latest world rankings to move to an all time high of 9th in the world. Ireland were recently crowned World League 2 champions in Belfast following an undefeated tournament run that also saw David Harte and Johnny McKee pick up individual awards. The next major tournament laying ahead of the boys in green is the World League Semi Finals in Wits Hockey Club, Johannesburg where the reigning World Cup champions Australia and Olympic silver medallists Belgium will be waiting for them. The all-important tickets to the 2018 World Cup will be dished out in Johannesburg where a top 8 finish will be enough to see the Green Machine book that coveted spot.

Irish Hockey Association media release

Black Sticks down USA at Hawke’s Bay Festival


Photo: Planet Hockey

The Vantage Black Sticks have proven too strong for USA, winning their third round clash 3-2 at the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey on Monday night.

Both teams came into the match with a draw and a loss from their first two matches at the tournament.

USA were first on the score sheet in the 11th minute when Erin Matson pounced on a loose ball and struck it home for a 1-0 lead.

Just a minute later the Kiwis were back on level terms courtesy of a well-worked Amy Robinson field goal.

The Black Sticks continued to mount pressure and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Sam Harrison scored to open a 2-1 lead at the halftime break.

New Zealand continued to dominate the early stages of the second spell and had further reward when Kelsey Smith made it 3-1 in the 35th minute.

Following two yellow cards to the Black Sticks, USA pressed hard with the numerical advantage pulled one goal back through an Ashley Hoffman goal on the back of a number of penalty corners in quick succession.

At 3-2 the USA put the Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon under pressure but their defence held firm to record their first win at the tournament.

At the end of three rounds Japan tops the points table with two wins and a loss, Australia has a win and two draws while the Black Sticks are back in the hunt with a win and a draw. USA rounds out the table with just a draw from their three matches.

The top two teams after round robin play will compete for the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Cup on Sunday afternoon.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 3: (Amy Robinson, Samantha Harrison, Kelsey Smith)
USA 2: (Erin Matson, Ashley Hoffman)
Halftime: Black Sticks 2-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

USWNT Falls to Host Nation at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup

Upcoming Games Live Stream Information


Photo Courtesy of Ned Dawson/Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey

HASTINGS, New Zealand - The Vantage Black Sticks proved too strong for the USA in their third round clash at the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey being played in Hastings, New Zealand.

Both teams came into the match with a draw and a loss from their first two matches at the tournament.

USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) was honoured prior to the match for achieving her 150th test cap.

The USA was first on the scoresheet in the 11th minute when Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) pounced on the loose ball and struck it home for a 1 nil lead.

Just a minute later the Vantage Black Sticks were on level terms again when Amy Robinson found the back of the net.

The Black Sticks now had a dominant patch and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Sam Harrison scored to take a 2 – 1 lead into the halftime break.

The Vantage Black Sticks continued to dominate the early stages of the second spell and had further reward when Kelsey Smith made it 3 -1 in the 35th minute.

New Zealand then made it a little difficult for themselves when Liz Thompson (36) and Rachel McCann (46) earned yellow cards.

The USA pressed hard and with the numerical advantage made it 3-2 when Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) scored after they had forced a number of penalty corners in quick succession.

At 3-2 the USA put the Black Sticks keeper Grace O’Hanlon under pressure but their defense held to record their first win at the 2017 tournament.

At the end of three rounds Japan tops the points table with two wins and a loss, Australia has a win and two draws while the Black Sticks are back in the hunt for a top finishing spot with a win and a draw. The USA rounds out the table with just a draw from their three matches.

The top two teams after round robin play will compete for the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Cup on Sunday afternoon (NZ time)

Half time score: Vantage Black Sticks 2 USA 0
Final score: Vantage Black Sticks 3 (Amy Robinson, Samantha Harrison, Kelsey Smith) USA 2 (Erin Matson, Ashley Hoffman)

Special recognition goes to USWNT goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) who achieved a career milestone with Team USA. The contest marked her 150th international cap wearing the red, white and blue.


Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach, and Jackie Briggs. Image provided by Yuko Kimura

Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey matches to be streamed on Facebook

HBSEEC is pleased to announce that live streaming of matches from the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey being played in Hastings, New Zealand will begin this Thursday, April 6, 2017.

The live steam will be available on Facebook and will include six matches from the International Vantage Hawke’s Bay Cup competition (including finals), 14 matches from the schoolgirls Furnware Cup (including semifinals and finals) and the finals from the men’s and women’s competition at the Affiliates tournament.

Tournament Director David Nancarrow says “This year the live streaming will be available on Facebook. To receive a notification prior to the start time of upcoming matches, just “LIKE” the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey Facebook page (link below).”

“When the match starts streaming, everyone who has liked the FOH Facebook page gets a notification in their Facebook feed and then you can share an update about the match in progress with your friends.”

Fans can also make comments and post/talk to the commentators and other viewers as the match is streaming. Once the match is completed, the video is available to watch as a replay at anytime.

To receive a notification of Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival live streamed matches “LIKE”.

https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofHockey

The draw for all three competitions is available at www.hockeyfestival.nz

USWNT Hawke's Bay Cup Remaining Games:
Date     Local Time     EST Time     Match
Tuesday, April 4     4:00 p.m.      12:00 a.m. (4/4)     USA vs. Australia
Thursday, April 6     3:30 p.m.     11:30 p.m. (4/5)     USA vs. Japan (Live Streamed)
Saturday, April 8     5:00 p.m.     1:00 a.m. (4/8)     USA vs. New Zealand (Live Streamed)
Sunday, April 9     3:00 p.m     11:00 p.m. (4/8)     3rd/4th Placement (Live Streamed)
    5:15 p.m.     1:15 a.m. (4/9)     1st/2nd Placement (Live Streamed)

*All times are local to New Zealand
* Local time is 17+ hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time

Article Courtesy of The Hawke's Bay Cup

USFHA media release

Black Sticks pip Team USA to stay in the race for the four-nation Hawke's Bay Cup

By Anendra Singh


Black Sticks (in white) celebrate No 2 Samantha Harrison's 24th-minute goal as dejected Team USA defenders trudge back in Hastings. Photo / Paul Taylor

The New Zealand women's international hockey team have won the armwrestle to keep up with the pace setters in Hastings tonight.

The Olivia Merry-captained Vantage Black Sticks beat Team USA 3-2 to keep their hopes alive in defending the fourth edition of the four-nation Hawke's Bay Cup at the Unison Stadium.

It was the Americans who drew first blood from a field goal, courtesy of Erin Matson in the 11th minute, as the ball hit the backboard with a sickening thud in the third round of the marquee tournament of the annual Vantage HB Festival of Hockey.

But it was a tit-for-tat moment as the goal stung the Black Sticks into action on the first day of rain and an arctic feel in the night air.

The emphatic field-goal reply, 1-1, the very next minute from newbie Amy Robinson would have soothed not just the nerves for the 12-capped Tauranga double international.

But the Mark Hager-coached New Zealanders weren't done.

Experienced Merry, who came into possession on the left flank through a string of passes woven into a productive chain, deftly crossed to another returning older head in Samantha Harrison.

The Northland striker didn't need a second invitation in the 24th minute to push the ball past American goalkeeper Jackie Briggs, who had received a bunch of flowers for representing her country in the 150th match, to elevate the hosts to a 2-1 lead.

It wouldn't have pleased Briggs much more when Capital striker Kelsey Smith, with 39 caps under her belt, slipped another worm burner past her to take the hosts to 3-1 in the 34th minute.

But the Janneke Schopman-coached tourists weren't going down without a fight.

Ashley Hoffman pulled it back to 3-2 in the 49th minute from a well-constructed penalty corner to push the ball past rookie goalkeeper and Australian-born Kiwi recruit Grace O'Hanlon.

The Americans threw the kitchen sink at the New Zealanders but the hosts soaked it up with some impressive defensive work, especially with the composure of Brooke Neal and Tessa Jopp.

Hawkes Bay Today

Black Sticks Women edge USA


New Zealand's Kirsten Pearce congratulates Kelsey Smith on her goal. Photo / Photosport

The women's Black Sticks have recorded their first win of the Festival of Hockey tournament in Hastings, beating the United States 3-2 tonight.

The winner came from Capital attacker Kelsey Smith after earlier goals from Sam Harrison, and Amy Robinson.

USA went ahead early before the Black Sticks pegged them back through Robinson, and then went ahead through Harrison, who also scored in the prior game against Australia.

That gave them a 2-1 lead at halftime, and Smith extended the lead shortly after the break. USA made for a tense finish to the game when they scored with nine minutes to go, but the Black Sticks held on to seal the win.

The result is identical to their victory over the USA in Rangiora nine days ago, and follows an opening loss to Japan and a draw with Australia.

New Zealand play Japan again tomorrow.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks power past USA


New Zealand's Rachel McCann in action against the USA. Photo / Photosport

The Vantage Black Sticks have proven too strong for USA, winning their third round clash 3-2 at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey on Monday night.

Both teams came into the match with a draw and a loss from their first two matches at the tournament.

USA were first on the score sheet in the 11th minute when Erin Matson pounced on a loose ball and struck it home for a 1-0 lead.

Just a minute later the Kiwis were back on level terms courtesy of a well-worked Amy Robinson field goal.

The Black Sticks continued to mount pressure and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Sam Harrison scored to open a 2-1 lead at the halftime break.

New Zealand continued to dominate the early stages of the second spell and had further reward when Kelsey Smith made it 3-1 in the 35th minute.

Following two yellow cards to the Black Sticks, USA pressed hard with the numerical advantage pulled one goal back through an Ashley Hoffman goal on the back of a number of penalty corners in quick succession.

At 3-2 the USA put the Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon under pressure but their defence held firm to record their first win at the tournament.

At the end of three rounds Japan tops the points table with two wins and a loss, Australia has a win and two draws while the Black Sticks are back in the hunt with a win and a draw. USA rounds out the table with just a draw from their three matches.

The top two teams after round robin play will compete for the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup on Sunday afternoon.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks notch first tournament win after edging USA 3-2 in Hastings


New Zealand's Kelsey Smith fires on goal against the US in Hastings on Monday night. JOHN COWPLAND/PHOTOSPORT

It was a case of third time lucky for the Black Sticks as they notched their first win at the Festival of Hockey in Hastings on Monday night.

Their 3-2 win against the United States followed their opening round 2-1 loss to Japan on Friday and a 1-1 draw with Australia the following day.

Capital striker Kelsey Smith banged in a goal early in the second half to give the Kiwis a handy 3-1 lead, before the Americans pulled to within a goal inside the final 10 minutes.


Sam Harrison scored one of the Black Sticks' three goals against the United States in Hastings on Monday night. MARTIN HUNTER/PHOTOSPORT

However, the Kiwis held firm defensively to match their winning margin against the US in Rangiora last weekend.

Earlier, the US jumped out to an early lead after Erin Matson pounced on a loose ball at the back and fired home.

But Amy Robinson ensured the Kiwis drew level a minute later, before Sam Harrison banked the go-ahead goal in the 25th minute.

New Zealand made things difficult for themselves in the second half, when Liz Thompson (36min) and Rachel McCann (46) earned yellow cards.

At the end of three rounds, Japan tops the points table with two wins and a loss, while Australia is second with a win and two draws.

The Black Sticks are still right in the hunt, while the US is still chasing their first win.

The top two teams after round robin play will compete for the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup on Sunday afternoon.

In the earlier game, Australia beat Japan 2-1.

All four teams are in action again on Tuesday night, with the Black Sticks playing Japan at 6pm.

Black Sticks 3 (Amy Robinson, Samantha Harrison, Kelsey Smith) USA 2 (Erin Matson, Ashley Hoffman) HT: 2-1

Stuff

Hockeyroos defeat Japan 2 - 1

Game 3 of Hawkes Bay Cup

Holly MacNeil



The Hockeyroos have today taken out their first win of the Hawkes Bay Cup in Hastings, New Zealand, with a 2 -1 defeat of Japan.

It was a cracker of a first quarter for the Hockeyroos today as they scored two field goals within minutes of one another. The first went to Jordyn Holzberger in the 9th minute of play, the second to Madi Radcliffe in the 11th.

The strong beginning to the game for the Hockeyroos was hindered by the Japanese defence, as the next two quarters went without goals as both teams pressed forward without any luck.

The final quarter saw Japan get their first goal of the match, forcing a penalty corner opportunity which was converted by Hazuki Yuda in the 46th minute of play.

Hockeyroos head coach Paul Gaudoin said: “We had a really good first half today, we applied ourselves as we wanted to and we got the rewards from that with two goals.

“We struggled a little bit in the second half, but that will be a good half of learning for some of our younger group to improve upon going into our next game against the USA tomorrow.”

The Hockeyroos next play the USA on Tuesday, April 4 at 2pm AEDT / 12pm AWST. Keep up to date with the score by following @Hockeyroos on Twitter.

The Festival of Hockey will begin live streaming on Thursday, April 6 via The Festival of Hockey Facebook page.

HOCKEYROOS 2 (2)
Jordyn Holzberger 9 (FG)
Madi Ratcliffe 11 (FG)

JAPAN 1 (0)
Hazuki Yuda 46 (PC) 

Hockeyroos Match Schedule
Tuesday 4 April: AUS v USA 4pm NZST / 2pm AEST / 12pm AWST
Thursday 6 April: AUS v NZL 5.30pm NZST / 3.30pm AEST / 1.30pm AWST
Saturday 8 April: AUS v JPN 3pm NZST / 1pm AEST / 11am AWST
Sunday 9: Finals

Hockeyroos team v JPN
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW) 7/0
Kristina Bates (Port Melbourne, VIC) 3/0
Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) *plays for ACT 130/3
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 114/10
Ashlea Fey (Sunshine Coast, QLD) 9/2
Stephanie Kershaw (Townsville, QLD) 9/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 192/37
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW) 7/0
Madi Ratcliffe (Warnambool, VIC) 6/2
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 166/65
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 59/7

Used Substitute
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 24/5
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 123/2
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW) 12/0
Jordyn Holzberger (Ipswich, QLD) 42/5
Gabi Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) *Plays for SA 51/3
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD) 15/0
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 86/0

Hockey Australia media release

Youthful look for Black Sticks at Azlan Shah


George Muir returns from injury. Photo: www.photosport.nz

Vantage Black Sticks Men’s head coach Darren Smith has named an exciting team to compete at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia later this month.

The invitational tournament runs from 27 April - 6 May and sees New Zealand go up against hosts Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain, India and Japan.

The team of 18 sees the return of Rio Olympian Hayden Phillips and North Harbour midfielder George Muir from long term injuries.

It will be the first international competition since the Olympics for Phillips who has been sidelined with a foot injury, while Muir last played at the 2016 Ford National Hockey League before undergoing shoulder surgery.

“It feels great to be back. After watching a lot of hockey over the last six months I have built a lot of passion and hunger to get back on the field,” Muir said of his return.

“I’m excited to be back in black playing for New Zealand again, it’s been a long time between test matches so I can’t wait to get to Malaysia and into tournament mode.”

Experienced defender Arun Panchia will again captain the side, having done so during the recent test series against Pakistan in Wellington and Wairarapa.

Several players were ruled out of selection with injury, including Simon Child, Nick Haig and Brad Read while James Coughlan is unavailable with work commitments. Others still have club commitments in the Belgium and Dutch leagues, which are now approaching the playoff stages.

Smith said while the team is light on experience, it’s a great opportunity for the group that played against Pakistan to step up and signal their intentions.

“We would have liked to take away a more experienced group, but unfortunately there are a lot of players either unavailable or injured,” he said.

“Many of these guys saw playing time during the Pakistan series and I thought they performed well, although this will be another big step up for them.”

The Vantage Black Sticks leave on Friday 21 April ahead of their opening match on Saturday 29 April.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, 27 April - 6 May

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Midfield duo return as Black Sticks men's squad for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup named


George Muir is back in the Black Sticks after a successful recovery from shoulder surgery. ANDY JACKSON/FAIRFAX NZ

The return of midfield duo Hayden Phillips and George Muir is the feature of New Zealand men's hockey team named to compete at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia later this month.

While a sizeable number of experienced faces remain absent through injury or club commitments in Europe, the inclusion of Phillips and Muir after their recovery from long-term injuries is a boost for new head coach Darren Smith.

Central teenager Phillips, the bolter in the squad which played at the Rio Olympics last year, has been battling a foot injury and has not played at international level since the Olympics, while North Harbour midfielder Muir last played in the 2016 National Hockey League before undergoing shoulder surgery.

Muir was understandably pleased to be back for the Azlan Shah Cup, which runs from April 27 to May 6 and sees New Zealand go up against hosts Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain, India and Japan.

"It feels great to be back. After watching a lot of hockey over the last six months I have built a lot of passion and hunger to get back on the field," the 22-year-old said.

"I'm excited to be back in black playing for New Zealand again, it's been a long time between test matches so I can't wait to get to Malaysia and into tournament mode."

As he did during a 2-1 series loss to Pakistan in Wellington and Wairarapa last month, Auckland defender/midfielder Arun Panchia will captain the New Zealand side.

Regular skipper Simon Child, Nick Haig and Brad Read were injured, while James Coughlan is unavailable with work commitments and several others were yet to return the Belgium and Dutch leagues, which are approaching their playoff stages.

"We would have liked to take away a more experienced group, but unfortunately there are a lot of players either unavailable or injured," Smith said.

"Many of these guys saw playing time during the Pakistan series and I thought they performed well, although this will be another big step up for them."
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The New Zealand team leaves on April 21, ahead of their opening match on April 29.

New Zealand squad: Cory Bennett, David Brydon, Robert Creffier, Stephen Jenness, Richard Joyce, Jonty Keaney, Kim Kingstone, Sam Lane, Devon Manchester, Leo Mitai-Wells, Harry Miskimmin, George Muir, Dominic Newman, Arun Panchia (c), Hayden Phillips, Nick Ross, Alex Shaw, Mac Wilcox.

Stuff

Faizal and Haziq cheer for national hockey team

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Striker Faizal Saari and Haziq Mohamed Shamsul’s return to training has brought the smiles back to the Malaysian hockey team preparing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from April 29-May 6.

The duo suffered hamstring injuries and were forced to skip last month’s World Hockey League Round Two in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Malaysia won the tournament to qualify for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in June.

Three other players – S. Kumar, Mohamed Firhan Azhaari and Baljit Singh – are also back in training. The trio also did not go to Dhaka.

Kumar and Firhan cited personal reasons for skipping the tournament. Kumar’s wife was expecting while Firhan just got married.

“Now, we have all the 23 players in training for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. But the main focus for the team is the World Hockey League Semi-Finals,” said Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) chief executive officer K. Logan Raj.

Besides Malaysia, the other teams competing in Ipoh are Australia, England, New Zealand, India and Japan.

Like Malaysia, the other teams are also preparing for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals.

Japan were the latest team to qualify when they won the World League Round Two in Trinidad and Tobago. They defeated Canada 3-1 in Sunday’s final.

The Star of Malaysia

Amsterdam and Bloemendaal continue their Dutch title chase



HC Bloemendaal and AH&BC Amsterdam continue to lead the way in the Dutch Hoofdklasse thanks to high scoring wins over Almere and Hurley, respectively.

For Amsterdam, their game produced a series of beautiful goals with Sander ’t Hart getting the first of him. His side, however, did have three players shown yellow cards in the first half but still managed to build a 3-1 lead with Justin Reid-Ross scoring a couple of goals, countering one from Stijn Jolie.

Billy Bakker’s outstanding speed and powerful shot made it 4-1. Jolie got another back before Mirco Pruyser fired home another brilliant goal for 5-2. Christian Stroboer again kept Hurley interested but late goals from Bakker and Reid-Ross stretched out a 7-3 win.

They remain three points behind Bloemendaal who were 5-2 winners over Almere with Florian Fuchs adding another couple of goals to his total.

Rotterdam strengthened their hold on third place with a composed 2-0 win at Tilburg. Sjoerd Gerretsen’s sharp reactions and a close range finish from Sebas Molkenboer in the 26th minute made sure of the points in a lively affair.

HC Oranje-Rood drew 2-2 with HGC. They took the lead twice with Bob de Voogd and Mink van der Weerden countering a Dick Mohlmann goal. Van der Weerden, though, saw three shots of his saved off the line and it kept HGC in the running before drawing level through Steijn van Heijningen’s goal in the 60th minute.

It allowed SV Kampong to close the gap to the playoff places with their 4-1 win over Pinoke. They are still in fifth but are one point off fourth with four rounds of games to go.

Euro Hockey League media release

Polo within touching distance of adding league crown to cup title



Real Club de Polo formally confirmed their place in the Spanish Honor Division’s playoff places and moved within one win of the regular season title with a 4-0 win over CD Terrassa last Sunday.

A 25th minute penalty corner from Pedro Ibarra set them on their way before Lucas Vila extended the lead with a penalty stroke just before half-time. Further goals from Manu Bordas and Alex Reyné completed the win and puts Polo eight points clear of Egara and nine beyond Club de Campo and Atletic Terrassa.

In the derby, Egara and Atletic drew 2-2. Marc Salles gave Atletic the lead in the 25th minute before Edu Arbos equalised. Roc Oliva and Xavier Aguilar exchanged goals in the fourth quarter to end the game level.

Club de Campo moved up to third as a result thanks to a 1-0 win over Junior FC, a result that all but ruled the vanquished side from the playoff chase.

Goalkeepers Álvaro Negrete and Cesc Mata both shone but Campo prevailed courtesy of a single goal from Belgian man Jerome Saeys.

Next week, Egara complete their EHL build-up with a tough away trip to face Campo in Madrid. Polo go to RS Tenis where a win will see them add a second trophy to their cabinet for this season while Atletic Terrassa go to SPV Complutense.

Euro Hockey League media release

Reading's Andy Watts contemplating his future

By Mike Haymonds

ANDY WATTS, the Reading player-coach, played what is likely to be his last home game for the club in a 4-2 win over Brooklands MU in the Cup semi-final, in which he scored his side’s first and third goals, as he contemplates his future in the game.

Watts, 31, is director of sport at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and has been Reading’s player-coach for the past three seasons. He has decided he will not play Premier hockey next season but is still weighing his options of staying with Reading or moving to another club.

He said:” It will be quite nice to relax and just play.

“We’ve achieved our objective of staying up in the league this season and now we’ve made the cup final so there’s no need to be wary of the future.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of the past three years but the travel for two evenings’ training and a game at the weekend is taking its toll.”

Watts’ team-mate Richard Mantell, 35, may also have played his last home game for Reading after scoring one of his trademark penalty corner strikes in the Cup win. He said his options were either one more season of club hockey or hanging up his boots. He has two young boys and has moved to the South Coast. For him, travelling two and a half hours out and back for training has  become a burden.

Unlike many of his former international colleagues he has no interest in a career in coaching.

Both players have the opportunity of ending their club careers in triumph at the Cup Final on April 29 in the Olympic Park. Reading will meet Canterbury, who beat Bromley & Beckenham 2-0 in the other semi. The women’s Investec Cup finalists are Clifton Robinsons, who beat Beeston 2-1, and third successive League champions Surbiton, who crushed Bowdon Hightown 5-0.

Fieldhockey.com

Edinburgh University back to the top of Scottish women’s National League



Edinburgh University are back at the top of the women`s National League 1 after a 4-1 victory at previously undefeated Grove Menzieshill. The students are now a point ahead of the Taysiders, but the latter still have a game in hand.

It looked rather unpromising for Edinburgh when Sarah Jamieson gave the home side a goal lead at the interval.

But it was a different story after the break, Sarah Robertson started the Edinburgh comeback with a fierce reverse stick rocket into the roof of the net.

Edinburgh were soon in the lead, Louise Campbell danced her way along the bye-line without a Grove Menzieshill tackle going in and somehow she managed to slot the ball into the net.

There was now only going to be one winner when the students went into a 3-1 lead, a penalty corner double switch fell to Sam Judge, the player/coach`s shot was touched in by Amy Brodie.

With five minutes left Campbell made her way up the right wing and her resulting cross was touched in by Zara Malseed for Edinburgh`s fourth.

Milne Craig Western are now well established in third place with a 3-0 away win at Erskine Stewart`s Melville, Jen Eadie scored twice while Heather Lang got the other.

Dundee Wanderers leapfrogged Watsonians into fifth place with a convincing 6-1 win over the Edinburgh side.

The Taysiders led 2-0 at the interval, the goals came from Amy Snelle and Rachel Osborne. Wanderers consolidated their victory with further strikes by Becky Ward, Charlotte Watson, Jessica Ross and finally Emily Dark.

In the men`s catch-up fixture Uddingston failed to return to the top four after going down 4-3 at home to Grove Menzieshill. Paul Martin scored twice for the Taysiders, the other goals came from Aidan McQuade and Gavin Tomlinson. Uddingston`s replies all came from Steven Percy, a penalty corner in the first half and two from the spot after the interval.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Grange and Clydesdale Western win U16 Club Cup 2017


Grange U16 boys winners

Grange boys and Clydesdale Western U16 girls were the winners of the U16 Club Cup 2017. Grange defeated Western Wildcats 2-0 in the boys final and Clydesdale Western ran out 2-1 winners against Inverleith.

Inverleith 0-2 Fjordhus Reivers

The U16 girls’ Club Cup got off to a goal scoring start with Fjordhus Reiver striking two against Inverleith. The opening goal of the match came in seven minutes through a field goal, giving Fjordhus Reivers an early lead. This lead was doubled on 12 minutes when Holly Shepherd finished off a goal from open play to make it 2-0.

Clydesdale Western 1-0 Watsonians

Clydesdale Western got their U16 girls’ Club Cup off to a great start with a 1-0 win over Watsonians. The game’s only goal came on 27 minutes when Georgia Schmolke struck through a field goal.

Inverleith 3-0 Hillhead

It was Inverleith who claimed the win against Hillhead in the U16 boys’ competition. Inverleith took the lead on 13 minutes, Livio Belotti scored from open play to make it 1-0. On 19 minutes it was 2-0 when Jake Inglis struck, again from open play. The third came from Belotti to make a final score of 3-0.

CALA Reivers 3-1 Clydesdale

CALA Reivers were victorious against Clydesdale in the boys’ tournament. Steve McKenzie gave Clydesdale the lead in the seventh minute of the match when he struck from a penalty corner to make it 1-0. Charlie Jack equalised for CALA on 13 minutes before striking again four minutes later to make it 2-1 to CALA. Jack bagged his hat-trick on 29 minutes when he struck to make it 3-1.

GHK 0-0 Fjordhus Reivers

In the girls’ U16 Club Cup GHK and Fjordhus Reivers played out a competitive and entertaining match that ended goalless.

CALA 0-1 Watsonians

Watsonians struck early to claim victory over CALA in the girls’ competition. The only goal of the game came when Sophie McGlynn struck in the second minute to give Watsonians a 1-0 lead, which was how the game finished.

Inverleith 0-1 CALA Reivers

A close encounter in the boys’ competition saw CALA Reivers win over Inverleith. Lucas Grubb was the only scorer when he struck from a penalty corner to make it 1-0 for CALA to claim victory.


U16 Club Cup boys

Hillhead 1-3 Watsonians

In the boys’ cup it was Watsonians who triumphed over Hillhead. Watsonians took the lead in the 11th minute when Euan Burgess scored from a penalty corner to make it 1-0. It was 2-0 just two minutes later with Ted Porter providing the finish from open play to double the lead. Ricky Tandon added his name to the score sheet on 25 minutes to make it 3-0, before Euan Menzies pulled one back for Hillhead for a final score of 3-1.

Clydesdale Western 2-0 Fjordhus Reivers

A 2-0 win for Clydesdale Western saw them take the spoils over Fjordhus Reivers in the girls’ cup. Annabel Ballantyne opened the scoring when she struck on the seventh minute to give Clydesdale Western the lead. Bronwyn Shields made it 2-0 with a penalty stroke on 13 minutes to seal the win for her side.

Inverleith 0-2 CALA

CALA defeated Inverleith 2-0 in the girls’ tournament in a great game. It was CALA who opened the scoring Ellie Rutherford struck on 12 minutes to give her side the lead. Abbie Grant made it 2-0 with a penalty stroke on 29 minutes to claim victory for CALA.


U16 Club Cup girls

GHK 0-2 Watsonians

Watsonians claimed victory against GHK in an enthralling girls’ cup encounter. Two goals in a minute gave Watsonians the win against GHK. Georgia Jones scored on 15 minutes from open play before Sophie McGlynn doubled their advantage a minute later.

Clydesdale 1-2 Watsonians

Watsonians claimed a 2-1 victory over Clydesdale in the boy’s cup. The opening goal came in the 11th minute through a Conall Milligan strike from a penalty corner. Clydesdale equalised on 19 minutes when Steven McKenzie struck to make it 1-1. The winner came in the 24th minute and it was Alexander Raez who finished to give Watsonians a 2-1 win.

Grove Menzieshill 0-2 Grange

The boys’ semi-final saw Grange claim victory with an excellent 2-0 victory over Grove Menzieshill. Alex Riddle scored the opening goal in the tenth minute of the match to give Grange the lead. Robbie Croll doubled their advantage in the seventeenth minute to seal the win for Grange.

Western Wildcats 3-0 Perthshire

Western Wildcats beat Perthshire 3-0 to play Grange in the U16 Boys Club Cup final. Fraser Moran opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the match from a penalty corner to make it 1-0. The second goal was struck by Ewan Cowan in the 23rd minute, before the scoring was completed by Cameron Moran for a solid 3-0 victory.

CALA 1-0 GHK

CALA claimed victory over GHK in the third-place playoff. The only goal of the game was struck in the eleventh minute and it was Katie Martin who provided the finish to make it 1-0.

Perthshire 4-1 Grove Menzieshill

Perthshire defeated Grove Menzieshill to claim third spot in the boys’ cup. Perthshire took the lead in the tenth minute when Alex Wilson scored to make it 1-0. Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Wilson who scored again from open play. Ross Fleming made it 3-0 in the 24th minute for Perthshire before Grove Menzieshill pulled one back through Samuel Knight. John Stephen bagged the fourth of the match when he made it 4-1 in the 28th minute to give Perthshire an excellent win.


Clydesdale U16 girls winners

Inverleith 1-2 Clydesdale Western

Clydesdale Western won the girls’ U16 cup with a dramatic late goal. Inverleith struck first when Katie Swanson opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Four minutes later and Clydesdale levelled the scores when Georgia Schmolke struck from open play. The dramatic late winner came in the 29th minute when Bronwyn Shields finished from a penalty corner to make it 2-1.

Grange 2-0 Western Wildcats

Grange won the U16 boys’ Club Cup final with an excellent 2-0 win over Western Wildcats. Both goals came in the first five minutes of the match – Alex Riddle opened the scoring when he finished off a penalty corner to make it 1-0. A minute later and Jamie Rintoul scored to make it 2-0.

Photos by Duncan Gray and Mark Pugh

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Union High win regional hockey challenge


Union High emerged triumphant in the opening tournament of the Eastern Cape SPAR Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge in Graaff-Reinet on Friday. SPAR Eastern Cape promotions and advertising manager Alan Stapleton is on the left and Union High director of hockey Geowynne Gamiet is on the right. Photo: Supplied

Union High became the first team to qualify for the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge provincial finals when they won the PE North tournament in Graaff-Reinet on Friday.

The hosts were the only unbeaten team on the day and clinched their berth in the main finals to be played at Woodridge on August 12 when they beat Kingswood 1-0 in the tournament decider.

The finalists were the top two sides on the log after the round-robin matches were completed.

Union High director of hockey Geowynne Gamiet, who organised the PE North tournament, said they were delighted with the final result, having gone into the competition believing they could do well.

“We had a match a few weeks ago against DSG, who won last year’s PE North tournament, and managed to beat them, which gave us an idea that we could do well.”

Gamiet said he believed the current group of Union High players – who drew their first match against Kingswood on Friday – were one of the strongest teams they had fielded in the last six to seven years.

He pointed out that their defence had been the key to their success as they did not concede a goal during the regional tournament, while scoring 15 themselves.

Kingswood were also unbeaten during Friday’s round-robin matches, drawing two of their six matches, but just could not hold out against Union High in the final.

Gamiet said the competition continued to play an essential role in raising the profile of girls’ hockey.

“This is the best thing to have been introduced to schoolgirls’ hockey,” he said.

“You can definitely see that the standard of play has improved since the inaugural tournament last year in Grahamstown and it is clear that schools are approaching their hockey far more seriously.

“The girls have great fun at each of the days and it is the only hockey competition I know of where teams play in a tournament and have a chance to qualify for a provincial final.”

The SPAR Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge also places an emphasis on encouraging young umpires to develop their officiating abilities, with a most promising umpire award being made at each tournament.

The award went to Ann-Marie Rossouw, who was a member of the Union High hockey team last year.

Round-robin standings: 1. Union High (21 points), 2. Kingswood (18), 3. DSG (17), 4. Brandwag (8), 5. Victoria Girls (7), 6. Gill (4), 7. Volkskool (1). Final: Union High beat Kingswood 1-0.

SPAR Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge media release